A dog in Golden Bay has been rescued by cavers after being trapped down a tomo for six days.

Nina, a 12-year-old Jack Russell and Bichon mix, went missing while on a walk with one of her owners Alex on Takaka Hill last week.

Alex put out a plea on the Golden Bay Community Noticeboard Facebook page asking the group for help, with members suggesting she could be stuck in a tomo (a shaft formed by the action of water on limestone or volcanic rock) and others suggesting to contact Don Schwass from Nelson Search Dog/Tracking Page.

‘Operation Nina’ was then put into action by Schwass. Nina was found on Wednesday night down an 8-meter hole, rescued by cavers Matt, Tony and Bee.

Alex updated the community page, saying, “A very big hats off to Matt, Tony and Bee. Amazing people and amazing cavers who rescued our wee Nina after being stuck in a very deep tomo for six days.”

“Very grateful for this community who shared the post and Don Schwass from Nelson Search Dog/Tracking for amazing info and wisdom on what to do to help us return our Nina! Amazing result and people. The things a community can do when we come together – the impossible!” Alex said.

Bee, one of the rescuers, commented on the Facebook post saying, “So happy to be able to come and help! Especially with such a fantastic outcome. You guys were so devoted in your searching for her – what a lucky girl she is to have you.”

“The way she jumped into my arms the second I got down there was really sweet – she knew she was going home! Nice work everyone – great team effort,” Bee said.

Schwass said, “a picture is worth a 1000 words (especially when it has three heroes). Glad to say I played a part in this. Just don’t ask me to go down the hole. Matt, Tony, Bee – well done! My type of people, good bastards.”

One group member said on the post, “Fantastic rescue effort, got to love all the volunteers in this community.”

One of Nina’s caregivers, Mya, told chrislynchmedia.com that fortunately Nina did not sustain any injuries.

“However, due to the lack of food and water during her ordeal, she lost 20 percent of her body weight. Thankfully, her slightly overweight condition prior to the incident helped her survive longer by providing a protective layer,” Mya said.

“We’re happy to report that Nina has made a full recovery and is safely back home. She even enjoyed a walk on the beach this afternoon,” she said.